“Look, Mom! I can use power tools!”ย Meet my new Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless Orbital Jig Saw:
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If you had told me a year ago that I would be standing in my garage cutting MDF with a jig saw someday, I would have laughed in your face. This whole blog/DIY experience has been amazing for so many reasons, and one of those is that it allows me to learn and to challenge myself by trying new things I didn’t know or believe that I was capable of. If you were to rate my knowledge of and experience with power tools on a scale from 1-10, I would be a negative 7. To be honest, they scare me. However, after attending the Haven conference and seeing Ana White whip together furniture from scratch while wearing high heels, I thought to myself – “Hey, I can do that!” (minus the heels). I have made it my goal to build a piece of furniture from scratch within the next year. I am well aware that I have a long way to go – but hey, I’ve gotta start somewhere, right?
Luckily, the awesome people at Ryobi Tools were kind enough to send me my very first power tool: a cordless jig saw. I have big plans for this saw (twin headboards for my boys – from scratch!, for example), but I wanted to take baby steps and just play around with it a little bit to try it out. For my test project, I opted to cut a circle out of MDF. (Hey, I warned you they were baby steps!). I plan on turning it into a mirror or wall art or something fun, but for now I just wanted to learn how to handle this jig saw. If you are looking for a jig saw — or if you want something a little less intimidating than a circular saw or a table saw to start with, for instance — I highly recommend this one! I love that it is cordless, because as clumsy as I am, I’d probably saw right through the cord. (Ok, hopefully not, but it is definitely a convenient feature.) I also love that it is lightweight and someone like me with no “guns” (aka muscles) can handle it.
There’s a handy little compartment built into the bottom to store blades, which is very convenient:
It came with two blades, and there is also a handy dandy laser guide that you can switch on or off, which helps with accuracy. The blades are extremely easy to change, and there are 4 orbital positions for a variety of cut options. You can also adjust speed easily depending on how much trigger pressure you use. The battery attaches easily and can be just as easily removed when it’s time to charge it. I noticed it charges very quickly too. So the final verdict on this saw? I love it. And let’s put it this way, if I can use this saw, then anyone can use this saw.
Here’s my slightly less than perfect but “it’ll do” circle aftermath. Turned out ok for my very first try!
I’m learning to be less intimidated by things I thought I couldn’t do. If I want to do something, then I’m going to learn how to do it, period. I’m excited to learn more about power tools, and look forward to putting this jig saw to good use. My husband wants to learn how to use it too, but I told him to get his own. (Totally kidding! I’ll share.)
For more information on this saw, or any of the other tools that Ryobi offers, be sure to visit their site. You can even join the Ryobi Nation, which is a project sharing community where you can upload or view projects and receive special offers.
Have you ventured into the world of power tools? Are you thinking about it? Please leave a comment and let me know!
Disclosure: I received this product for free to review. All opinions are my own.
Karen @ Dogs Don't Eat Pizza says
I have always wanted to try using power tools, too, and was also impressed with Ana at Haven. Good for you for jumping right in! I think your circle is impressive! Keep up the good work and keep us posted on your sawing projects!
Erin Spain says
Thanks Karen!
Vanessa Barker says
I LOVE my Ryobi Jig Saw. It’s so funny the looks I get from my neighbors when I’m out working my power tools without my hubby home! Or even better, when I’m working them and he’s sitting watching!
I LOVE being a power tools girl!
Erin Spain says
LOL Vanessa! Can’t wait to get my first weird look from people. I think I’m going to love being a power tools girl too!
Laura / The Shed blog, by Pet Scribbles says
You’re my new hero, Erin! I’m scared of power tools too, but I guess you’re going to show me otherwise, which is awesome! I think your first circle turned out great! You used a power tool! How cool is THAT? ๐
Erin Spain says
Thanks so much Laura! I still have a lot to learn, but I’m getting my feet wet at least. It does feel pretty cool!
Angie CountryChicCottage says
Love Ryobi!! Great review!
Erin Spain says
Thanks Angie!
Summer Rumsey says
Oh I so want one of these saws – I love Ryobi as well. Thanks for sharing this review.
Erin Spain says
Thanks, Summer! Get one! You’ll love it. ๐
Amanda @ Serenity Now says
Yay! I won a Ryobi Jig Saw at Haven and gave it to my husband b/c I have zero knowledge or experience with power tools, save for a belt sander. ๐ Glad to hear it works well…the hubs was doubtful when he saw the blade, but we’ll have to give it a shot. Great review!
Mary Beth says
I really enjoyed your review ~ I have been wanting one of these but have been absolutely terrified to use one….but now…I think I may give it a go!
Steph @ The Silly Pearl says
Oh what a fun product to review! I’ve always wanted to try one of these to make my own wood shapes. This may go on my Christmas wish list!
Anonymous says
This is a great article, found it really helpful. The thing is that last week my cordless drill broke!, then I looked around the workshop and thought, all of this stuff is 3 to 4 years old, so itโs about time I got some new equipment. So I decide to get some Ryobi equipment because they are good quality. I brought some of a website called CBS Powertools, they had great deals! Would definitely recommend these guys.
tools says
Nice reviews from you. Like the first line to see mummy…
New Generators says
I like jig saws because they are handy and easy to use.
Handy tools says
Yeah they always be so handy and you can do some creative work with them.
power tool says
Review is good, it highlighted few pointers that I didn’t know before. I will try this jig saw, I mean Ryobi jig saw.
Alphonse Daigle says
Good job on working with your first power tool! You did pretty well in using that jig saw. It seems to be a convenient power tool for first time users because it is lightweight and cordless. Itโs great that you are learning and trying out new things too.
Alphonse Daigle
power tools uk says
Nice review. Honestly, this review is worth reading. I’ll keep reading your posts in future mate. Thanks for your views on Ryobi Jig Saw.
James Kelly says
Haha, I like your writing style . I was afraid of power tools at some point of my life, so i know where are you coming from. And yes, I agree on this little cordless being an actual life saver sometime. I often find myself using tools like this after all these years in my workshop. I have so many tools in my possession.
Very informative post. Thanks for sharing your experience with us.
Jerry Romines says
Yes a great review with the Ryobi jigsaw. You do have a unique style of writing
Thanks